🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Dodge

Model:

Ram Truck

Generation:

Second Generation (2nd Gen)

Platform Code:

BR/BE

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Full-size pickup truck

Key Competitors:

Ford F-Series, Chevrolet C/K Series, GMC Sierra

Strengths:

Robust build, powerful engine options, spacious cabin, strong towing and payload capacity

Design:

Bold styling, signature Dodge grille, aerodynamic improvements over previous generation

Powertrain:

Wide range of V6 and V8 gasoline engines, and a diesel option

Chassis:

Body-on-frame construction for durability and towing capability

📋 Manual Details

Applicable Years:

1989, 1990, 1991

Vehicle Types:

Light-duty pickup trucks, Chassis Cab

Regions:

North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)

Total Pages:

1613

Type:

Workshop Service Repair Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF (Digital)

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine:

All gasoline and diesel engines (detailed diagnostics, overhaul, tuning)

Transmission:

Manual and Automatic transmissions (repair, overhaul, clutch, torque converter)

Drivetrain:

4x2 and 4x4 systems, axles, driveshafts, differentials (service, repair)

Suspension:

Front and Rear suspension (independent front suspension, leaf springs), steering system (power steering, steering gear)

Brakes:

Front and Rear disc/drum brakes, ABS system (troubleshooting, component replacement, bleeding)

Electrical:

Complete wiring diagrams, lighting, ignition, charging system, starting system, accessory circuits, diagnostic procedures

Fuel:

Fuel injection systems (MPI), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel tank, lines (diagnostics, replacement)

Cooling:

Radiator, water pump, thermostat, cooling fan, heater core (testing, replacement)

Exhaust:

Exhaust manifolds, catalytic converter, mufflers, pipes (inspection, replacement)

Body:

Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, seats, bumpers (adjustment, repair, replacement)

HVAC:

Air conditioning system, heating system, ventilation (diagnostics, refrigerant handling, component repair)

Maintenance:

Routine maintenance schedules, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and changes, lubrication

Diagnostics:

Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting

Repair:

Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems

Overhaul:

Complete engine and transmission overhaul instructions with specifications

Adjustment:

Alignment specifications, clutch adjustment, brake adjustment, parking brake adjustment

Installation:

Component installation and removal procedures

Wiring Repair:

Detailed electrical system repair and connector terminal replacement guidance

Depth:

Comprehensive (from basic maintenance to complete engine/transmission rebuilds and advanced diagnostics)

Detail Level:

Highly detailed, professional-level information suitable for mechanics and serious DIYers

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Searchable text within the PDF

Quality:

High-resolution scans, clear text and diagrams

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Code Examples:

3.9L V6 (3B), 5.2L V8 (5.2), 5.9L V8 (5.9), 5.9L Turbo Diesel (ISB)

3.9L V6 Horsepower:

Approx. 125 hp @ 4000 rpm

3.9L V6 Torque:

Approx. 210 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

5.2L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 170-185 hp @ 4000 rpm

5.2L V8 Torque:

Approx. 260-280 lb-ft @ 2400 rpm

5.9L V8 Horsepower:

Approx. 230-245 hp @ 4000 rpm

5.9L V8 Torque:

Approx. 330-350 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm

5.9L Turbo Diesel Horsepower:

Approx. 160-180 hp @ 2500 rpm

5.9L Turbo Diesel Torque:

Approx. 360-380 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm

Type:

Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI) for gasoline engines; Direct Injection for Diesel

Fuel Type:

Unleaded Gasoline (Octane 87 minimum), Diesel Fuel

🔧 Transmission

Type:

5-Speed Manual (Getrag G360)

Type:

3-Speed Automatic (A500/A518), 4-Speed Automatic (46RH/47RH for Diesel/V8)

Overdrive:

Available on 4-speed automatic transmissions

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ATF+3 or Dexron-III (check manual for specific model)

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-5 Gear Oil (e.g., SAE 75W-90)

📐 Dimensions

Body Styles:

Regular Cab, Club Cab (Extended Cab)

Bed Lengths:

6.5 ft (Standard Bed), 8 ft (Long Bed)

Wheelbase:

112" (Regular Cab, Short Bed), 125" (Regular Cab, Long Bed), 145" (Club Cab, Long Bed)

Curb Weight:

Varies significantly by configuration, typically 4,000 - 5,500 lbs

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvw:

Varies by configuration, typically 6,000 - 8,500 lbs (depending on trim and chassis)

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Rollover Rating:

Not explicitly rated for this era, typical for body-on-frame trucks of the time

ABS:

Available on select models/trims, primarily rear-wheel anti-lock (RWAL)

Airbags:

Driver-side airbag standard from 1990 onwards, passenger airbag optional/unavailable in early models

Seatbelts:

Three-point seatbelts

💡 Technology Features

Audio Systems:

AM/FM radio, Cassette player, optional CD player (later models)

Cruise Control:

Optional on most trims

Phone Integration:

Not applicable for this era

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Gasoline:

Every 3,000 miles or 3 months (severe service), 5,000-7,500 miles or 6 months (normal service with synthetic oil)

Oil Change Diesel:

Every 5,000 miles or 6 months (severe service), 7,500-10,000 miles or 12 months (normal service)

Transmission Fluid Change:

Every 30,000 - 60,000 miles depending on usage and transmission type

Coolant Flush:

Every 30,000 miles or 24 months

Engine Oil Gasoline:

API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (refer to manual for specific viscosity based on temperature)

Engine Oil Diesel:

API CD or CE or CF-4, SAE 15W-40

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol (50/50 mix with distilled water)

Common Problems:

Premature ball joint wear (especially front suspension), potential for head gasket leaks on some V8s, rust on body panels and frame, transmission cooler line leaks, intermittent electrical issues (wiring harness chafing).

Diesel Specific Issues:

Injector pump issues, turbocharger wear, injector nozzle clogs, exhaust manifold cracking on early 6BT Cummins (though not standard in these specific years, it's a common association).

📚 Vehicle History

Dodge Trucks:

Dodge has a long history of producing robust and capable trucks, dating back to the 1930s.

Ram Introduction:

The Ram nameplate was introduced in 1981. The 1989-1993 models represent the first generation of the 'new' Ram design, with significant updates leading into the second generation.

Second Generation Launch:

The second generation Ram (BR/BE platform) was introduced for the 1994 model year, so these 1989-1991 models are often considered part of the first generation's evolution or transitional models.

Manufacturing Locations:

St. Louis Assembly, Missouri, USA

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Truck Of The Year:

While specific awards for 1989-1991 models are less prominent, the Dodge Ram platform consistently received praise for its capability and powerful engine offerings during this period.